Definition: a concrete image that represents an abstract idea (Similes are metaphors that use "like" or "as"). For example, Shakespeare writes "shall I compare thee to a summer's day?".
The summer's day is the image. Consider the the concrete images in a "summer's day".
CONCRETE (tangible to the five senses): Summer's Day>>heat, warmth, blowing trees, greenery, animals and insects alive, sun, clouds, fresh scent, light and brilliance, chirping, humidity, harsh winds.
ABSTRACT (figurative, symbolic associations): feelings of joy, comfort, energy, extremes.
These abstract ideas are superimposed or placed upon the subject (in this case the implied "thee" or "you" who is listening to the speaker of the poem and being compared to a summer's day).
The summer's day is the image. Consider the the concrete images in a "summer's day".
These abstract ideas are superimposed or placed upon the subject (in this case the implied "thee" or "you" who is listening to the speaker of the poem and being compared to a summer's day).
Mixing Mind and Metaphor - Talk by James Geary, given at TED Global 2009 July. Prezi was co-created by James and Adam Somlai-Fischer.See the talk at http://www.ted.com/talks/james_geary_metaphorically_speaking.html
Mixing Mind and Metaphor on Prezi